NORTHBRIDGE — As students filed in for the first day of classes at the high school Tuesday officials were in defensive mode, responding to a report that four upperclassmen football players allegedly pressured a freshman player to sip urine.

Principal Michael P. Gauthier reported the hazing incident to police on Aug. 21, two days after the alleged incident took place, according to a police report.

After practice Monday, two students who said they are members of the football team confirmed to a reporter that the hazing incident had occurred.

"We're not supposed to talk about that," one of the players said before getting in his car, but adding that the matter had been "dealt with."

A parent also said he had heard about the incident and denounced the act.

Police released a redacted report Tuesday. None of the students' names was visible.

Police Chief Walter J. Warchol said in an interview Monday, "There was an incident that came to our attention through the school. We interviewed the victim and parents of the victim and they chose not to prosecute criminally. We honored their wishes. It was sent to the school administration to take whatever action they deemed appropriate. It's in the hands of the schools. Talk to the school administration."

According to the report, Mr. Gauthier told Officer Matthew Leonard he'd received information that about noon Aug. 19 an alleged hazing incident took place that involved four juniors and a freshman.

The four upperclassmen gave the freshman player a physical task to perform, which he was unable to complete. As a result, the principal told investigators, the freshman was given a cup of liquid which contained urine and was told to drink it

The freshman initially said he did not know what was in the cup, and before he drank it an unidentified player took the cup away and the urine was not consumed, Mr. Gauthier said, according to the report.

But that version of events was later contradicted in the report. The victim later told police he had taken a sip.

Officer Leonard contacted the boy's mother, who said she had been made aware of "an incident" by head football coach Ken LaChapelle. The mother told the officer she would speak to her son and would determine whether they wanted to speak with the police, the report said.

About 4:15 p.m. Aug. 21, the alleged victim and his mother came to the station to speak with Detective Sgt. John D. Ouillette and Lt. Timothy Labrie.

The investigators obtained a written statement that said on Aug. 19, the boy had lost a "sled pad" race to another freshman in the football locker room at the middle school.

Because the freshman lost the race, the four juniors pressured him to drink from a gallon jug of water with urine in it, the statement said.

The boy said he took a sip from the jug and spit it out.

The boy, who said several other freshmen were present and witnessed the incident, did not indicate he was physically forced to drink from the jug, and he said there were no other similar incidents since Aug. 19, the report said.

The freshman told investigators he did not want to pursue the matter criminally, but investigators told him he could pursue charges at a later time, the report said.

Asked how she would handle parents and football supporters wanting to know if the juniors in question had faced sanctions, Superintendent Nancy Spitulnik said, "I am prohibited by law from giving out any specific information on consequences. I'm sorry. It's state law."

Mr. Richards asked if the press wanted a public flogging of the quartet.

"This was investigated and handled last Tuesday. Done. They've been handed their penalties; they're serving their penalties."

Mr. Richards said everything was done to the letter of the law.

"We've done our due diligence and that's that," he said. "Nobody else needs to be involved."

When it was suggested the public would want to know about a potentially criminal action at a public school, Mr. Richards said, "The parents of the so-called victim don't want anything to happen. It was kids being kids. That's their attitude. End of story."

Asked whether there was any support in place for the victim or teammates who might be upset about the hazing incident, the superintendent said: "With any incident like this, as part of our protocol, they go through and make sure that any victims are taken care of."

Asked if "they" meant school counselors, Ms. Spitulnik said, "It depends on the needs and wishes of the students involved."

The school chief said district officials feel badly about "the negative press" because there are many other great things about the school system.

Earlier in the day, she released a statement:

"The Northbridge Public School District takes all incidents of hazing seriously, and follows strict protocols whenever an incident occurs. We do a thorough investigation, and apply appropriate consequences that match the seriousness of the situation.

The statement went on to call the hazing incident unfortunate.

"It does not reflect the true nature of the Northbridge Schools," Ms. Spitulnik said.

Northbridge's first football game is Sept. 13, when it hosts Oakmont Regional. Mr. LaChapelle, the school's coach since 1976, accomplished the feat last year of eclipsing 300 career wins.

CDL A DELIVERY DRIVERS Home Every Night! Needed for our Worcester Depot! Drive local - No more spending valuable nights away from your family! As a Direct Store Delivery Representative YOU have the opportunity to make a difference with our customers! Provide excellent customer service; interact in a positive manner with our customers; deliver our products to local stores. Be home every night! Work for a Company that has been around for over 80 years! Minimum of 3 months driving experience with CDL A/B; GED or HS diploma required; Must be able to drive a standard transmission. EEO/Veteran/Disability Growing Strong Since1933!